BACK AT THE VAN
(Michelle's POV)
By the time the trees thinned and sunlight returned fully, everyone looked exhausted — physically and emotionally.
Andy helped me step over a fallen log.
Steven offered a hand when the path dipped.
Lara kept rubbing my shoulder.
Kate didn't stop fussing.
And Jasmine…
Jasmine approached the van slowly, hesitantly, hovering near the back, waiting for someone to tell her where she should sit.
Anthony didn't look at her.
I swallowed again, feeling something bitter and heavy twist inside me.
I knew this feeling.
The feeling of being outside the circle.
Of liking someone who liked someone else.
Of watching everything slip through your fingers.
Of trying to keep up but failing in the worst possible moment.
And even though she hurt me…
I couldn't hate her.
Not when she looked like that.
Not when she was clearly punishing herself harder than anyone else could.
As I climbed into the van, I glanced at her one more time.
Her eyes were wet.
